Studying in another country for high school or college is not just a dream for many teens; it is a chance to experience a new culture and meet people around the world.

For students at Fossil, the idea of studying abroad represents an exciting opportunity for growth and global connection. 

Junior Sam Vakarchuk knows what it is like to live and learn in a new country. After spending 13 years in Ukraine, he moved to Fort Collins with his family three years ago. 

 “I realized that not the whole world looks just like one city or country,” Vakarchuk said. “I kind of thought, ‘Oh, it is this way in Ukraine, so it is this way in the whole world.’”

His move also came with many challenges. 

“The hardest part was probably the language barrier and the difference in people’s tolerance,” Vakarchuk said. “People just act differently from what I have seen in Ukraine, but they are way nicer here.”

College and Career Counselor Candie Joshi said that although not many students ask about studying internationally, some are beginning to explore the option. 

“I would say about once a month we have students coming in and asking about different colleges that are international,” Joshi said. “We have seen students looking in England, and sometimes there are students who are from other countries and want to go back home for college.”

Joshi said studying abroad helps students widen their perspective.

“If you study abroad, you get to see different cultures and different ways people think about things,” Joshi said. “If you work with people internationally later on, it helps you understand them better when you are trying to get things done.”

Applying to international programs comes with some challenges, Joshi said, including paperwork, housing, and cost. 

“You might need to get a visa or figure out what the college looks for with international students,” Joshi said. “Sometimes housing and costs are different than what students are used to here.”

Counselor Nicole Alvarado said she also has seen a few students show interest in studying abroad, especially in Europe. 

“I probably have less than a handful on my caseload,” Alvarado said. “Germany seems to be a popular destination because the cost tends to be lower, and Frau Healy has done a great job with her German program, so students are more interested in going there.”

Alvarado said cost and experience are the biggest advantages of international study. 

“College in America is incredibly expensive, and in Europe it tends to be much cheaper for some students,” Alvarado said. “Having cultural experience is a huge growth opportunity.”

Still, she said the process can be complicated. 

“The legalities, paperwork, and documentation can get tricky,” Alvarado said. “It might take some research on both the student’s and the counselor’s part to find a good program.”

Both counselors encourage students to start their research sooner rather than later and connect with their counselors about possible programs. 

“Think about which countries you would feel comfortable going to and make sure the school is accredited so your credits will transfer back,” Alvarado said. 

While studying abroad is not common among Fossil students yet, both counselors said they hope that changes. 

“I wish it were more popular, but it does not seem to be super common at the high school level,” Alvarado said. “I see it more often with college students who spend a semester or year abroad.”

For Vakarchuk, living internationally has changed his outlook.

“Just learn the language before you go and be ready for the changes,” Vakarchuk said. “If you want to study there, just go ahead.”